Another cold winter on the cards for struggling Kiwis

Early results from
a household survey being conducted by Community Energy
Network (CEN) and ActionStation.org.nz are highlighting
the widespread prevalence of fuel poverty in New Zealand.
The survey as part of the www.warmerwinters.org.nz campaign, is
gathering first-hand experiences of Kiwis living in cold
homes and the resultant health issues from these
conditions.

The campaign, launched in late 2012, has as
its aim to call for national Minimum Energy Performance
Standards for all homes and more especially rental
properties. Fuel Poverty is usually recognised as an
‘inability to afford to heat a home’ which comes about
through a combination of low quality housing, low incomes
and increasing energy prices. These conditions combined
contribute to a host of poor social and health outcomes.

Jo Wills, Executive Officer of CEN says; ‘we are
encouraging as many households as possible to go online and
fill out the survey on our website www.warmerwinters.org.nz. In doing this
are asking Kiwis to join us in saying we don’t think fuel
poverty is acceptable and New Zealand’s standard of
housing needs to improve.”

Jo says that CEN member
organizations throughout New Zealand will also be
distributing hardcopy surveys to homes and organizations in
their areas. The campaign will run through to late 2013,
with hard copy surveys also available at supporting health
and social agencies. Homeowners and tenants are encouraged
to take the survey.

A hui is planned for late September
2013 to present the data collected from the surveys. The hui
will examine the case for Minimum Energy Performance
Standards for rental properties in time for getting the
issue onto politicians’ agendas for the 2014 National
Election. The hui will be open to communities, industry,
media as well as local and central government.

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